Probiotic Strawberry Lemonade

It is getting warmer here in the midwest and with that, comes the need for something refreshing to drink. Although purified water should be your first drink of choice, every once in awhile, something a little sweet, a little fizzy, and a little citrusy that quenches that summertime craving.

We all know lemonade is that summertime staple but most of it is loaded with white, processed, bleached sugar (which is about as addictive as cocaine the latest scientific research has shown! YIKES! NO THANKS!) and sometimes not even real lemons. What could be a healthy drink has turned into a powered mix of poison. So why not make it the old fashioned way but even healthier?! Lemons are hydrating, detoxifying and refreshing. You can read more about the benefits of lemons here. Add in strawberries which are high in antioxidant to protect your skin from the sun damage and a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for some probiotics and you have a super healthy drink that totally hits the spot.

The apple cider vinegar also makes this delicious lemonade turn a little fizzy and bubbly. My boys loved watching the bubbles and enjoyed the taste of it too! Plus, it’s so easy and quick to make for those summertime get togethers or for an afternoon treat.

Probiotic Strawberry Lemonade
(Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

Directions
Put all of your strawberries into a high powered blender, like our trusty Vitamix, and blend until it is a smooth puree. With your blender on low, add in your lemon juice from one whole lemon. Next, add your apple cider vinegar and honey. Blend until completely smooth.

Pour your strawberry mixture into a pitcher and add 4 cups of water. Serve in a glass full of ice and drink up! Will last in the fridge for 2 days.

Apple Cider Vinegar-The benefits of ACV is immeasurable. Dr. Axe says, “New medical research also suggests that apple cider vinegar ingestion can help acid reflux, lower blood pressure, improve diabetes and support weight loss.The benefits of apple cider vinegar come from it’s powerful healing compounds, which include acetic acid, potassium,magnesium, probiotics and enzymes.Acetic acid has the ability to kill dangerous “bad” bacteria and at the same time, foster the growth of beneficial “good” bacteria. Because acetic acid kills unwanted bacteria when it comes into contact with it, it essentially acts as a natural antibiotic. This means apple cider vinegar naturally provides numerous benefits related to skin, digestion and immunity health without any side effects.Additionally, apple cider vinegar is a good source of polyphenols. Research supports the role of polyphenols in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, osteoporosis, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.”